University of Northern Iowa

McLeod Center

“The Complex That Connects Campus to Community”

The University of Northern Iowa desired a first-class arena and recruiting complex that would build support for the basketball, wrestling, and volleyball programs as well as promote campus and community pride. Crawford Architects was hired to design a new 7,000- seat multi-purpose arena and a 59,000-square-foot Human Performance Center (HPC). The HPC is one of only a handful of on-campus integrated sports psychology and physiology facilities with teaching and outpatient services. A series of workshops were conducted to develop a program for the arena and the human performance center. Consultations were held with the administration, athletics, training staff, and the private sector, and their direction helped the team develop a building program that met the range of diverse needs.

The design team evaluated several alternative sites and conceptual plans. The location was selected because it offered the best opportunity to create a linked complex between the UNI Dome, the indoor football stadium, the Wellness and Recreation Center, and the Communications Tower.

CLIENT

University of Northern Iowa

LOCATION

Cedar Rapids, IA

SIZE

59,000 square feet

EXPERTISE

Master Planning/ Concept Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture, Brand Activation, Signage & Wayfinding, Stadiums & Arenas, Training Facilities, Health & Wellness, Higher Education

Architectural Partner: Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck

“When people from the state of Iowa get to walk in to the McLeod Center, their jaws drop. It is a beautiful, mid-sized arena.”

Rick Hartzell, Former University of Northern Iowa Athletics Director